After a long break, the Cannie Gingers are back! The Gingers team is chosen from the pool of league skaters not currently on the Irn Bruisers or Maiden Grrders rosters.
We caught up with our newly-elected Gingers captains, Joanna Fight? and KLF, to find out more about them and their plans for the return of the Gingers.
Let's start with the basics - tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into roller derby? How long have you been playing?
Joanna Fight?: Even though I've been skating for about 40 years on and off, I began my roller derby adventure in January 2023, after finally talking myself into joining a new intake. It's something that I'd wanted to try for a long time, but I kept on talking myself out of - worried about injuring myself, but my hubby finally talked me into it.
KLF: I've been skating with Glasgow Roller Derby since May 2022. I got into roller derby after I graduated from university and I didn't know what to do with all this free time I had. A friend told me I needed to get a hobby!
I remembered seeing people roller skating on TikTok and I must have googled something like "skating in Glasgow" and thankfully I found GRD's learn to skate intake. Little did I know I had joined a full contact sport but I am so glad I did!
Why did you decide to become a Gingers Captain?
Joanna Fight?: Well you should already know Joanna Cannae Help Herself!!! But in all seriousness, our league is very much for the skater, by the skaters, and with this in mind, I wanted to give back, and play my part in bringing the gingers back to full strength.
KLF: I wanted to get more involved in the league and as a relatively new skater I thought captaining the Cannie Gingers would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about the sport and all the rules that come along with it. I have had the best coaches and captains in the Maiden Grrders and I wanted to try and do the same for the new graduate skaters in our C team.
What do you think are your co-captain's biggest strengths?
Joanna Fight?: KLF is one of the most tenacious and determined skaters I know. Her track awareness is fab and there's also the fact that everyone loves her. <3
KLF: Joanna Fight?, what a woman! I think her infectious team spirit and generosity are her greatest strengths. She is always there to encourage her teammates and lend a helping hand if someone is struggling. Lets not forget her many festive aliases which keep us laughing throughout the year, Joanna Cuddle? Joanna Mince Pie? She is a real asset to the league.
What are your hopes for the Gingers this season?
Joanna Fight?: My main aim for the coming season is a simple one...and that is to have lots of on track fun.
KLF: I hope we can get the Gingers back up and running to the way the team was pre pandemic. I can’t wait for us to really gel together as a team so I hope we get a few games under our belt this year.
If you could choose a theme song for the Gingers, what would it be?
Joanna Fight?: I think I'm going to have to go for, as cheesy as it sounds, Pink - Get the Party Started.
KLF: Just one? I'll have to choose Keep on Movin' - Five, Steve Mac.
What do you do outside roller derby, and how does it influence your game (if it does)?
Joanna Fight?: Outside roller derby, well.... I just love skating, so when the weather is being nice I'll be skating outside, either at Ravenscraig or Strathclyde Park. Apart from that I'm a bit of a crafter and you'll sometimes see me at a game with lots of derby and skating themed wares to sell.
KLF: I love going out for a boogie or to concerts with my friends. I'd say these activities definitely inspire my game day playlist and influences my game by improving my ability to twirl on track!
What is your favourite thing about being part of Glasgow Roller Derby?
Joanna Fight?: I love the sense of community that comes with being part of this inclusive, friendly, fun league...oh and all the skating!
KLF: We have such an amazing league, who mean the world to me, and I am very lucky to call them all my Glaswegian family. HEY GO GLASGOW!